Ben More is the only other Munro (mountain over
3,000 feet) on a Scottish island other than the Cuillin Peaks on the Isle of
Skye. It is a fine lonely peak and a truly grand mountain of lower grassy
slopes, clear clean waterfalls, craggy ridges and a fine scree top. Ben More is
Gaelic for 'big hill'.

This land mass is thought to be the remains of what was once the largest volcano
in Europe. On a good day the views from the top allow you to see Ireland, the
Outer Hebrides and to the north east Ben Nevis and to the east Ben Cruachan.

Locally you will see the Isles of
Iona, Staffa, Inch Kenneth, Treshnish Isles, Coll, Tiree, Rhum, Eigg,
Islay and the Paps of Jura. To the north the jagged, saw-edged, black
Cuillins perhaps let you believe that Ben More is a more rounded,
gentle, easier mountain, but don't be fooled. As the highest peak on
Mull and over 3,000 feet it attracts it's own weather and this can be as
good or bad as any on the west coast.

On the easier route from Dhiseig (Sacrificial Stone) you are
thankful near the top that there is a wide path that you shouldn't miss
especially when the compass is known to be inaccurate on this volcanic
rock which has magnetic qualities - so be careful!

Also keep in mind that when you climb the 966 metres of Ben More you
almost climb every metre from sea level and boy! you feel every metre of
it when you finally descend back down to your car at Dhiseig. Seaview bed & breakfast accommodation
in Fionnphort on the Ross of Mull is an ideal base for visiting Mull,
Iona, Staffa and for a spot of
'Munro-bagging'!
See our special
3 day break offers.

GETTING TO BEN MORE

Seaview is approximately 20 miles from
the base of Ben More and 28 miles from the starting point of the
described walks at Dhiseig on the B8035. On leaving Fionnphort
drive east down Loch Scridain on the A849 to Pennyghael and Kinloch.
Across Loch Scridain on your left Ben More, A'Chioch and Beinn Fhada
will come into view as you drive east. On leaving Pennyghael
(Penny Land of the Gael), turn left onto the B8035 and drive west and
then north leaving Loch Scridain and on to the south shore of Loch na
Keal and the Gribun cliffs. After the cliffs (not recommended for
climbing, broken rock!), as the north side of Ben More comes into view,
park on the left by Abhainn Dhiseig (River of the Sacrificial
Stone) NM 49473598.

THE ASCENTFor a moderate walk with a short scramble, walk north east along the
road to the bridge at NM50703676. This walk will take 4½ to 5 hours and
is for the more experienced walker and is about 12 km long. From the
bridge at Abhainn na h-Uamha (Stream of the Cave), follow the
south bank of this burn with its attractive pools and waterfalls up the
grassy Gleann na Beinne Fada (Glen of the Long Mountain) and
ascend to bealach NM53763442 between Beinne Fada and A'Chioch
(The Breast). Turn south, south west to climb A'choich
NM 5348331, then follow the impressive scenic narrow ridge (west,
south west) onto the steep east ridge of Ben More and scramble to the
summit NM 5253304.

THE
SUMMIT
The summit is a meeting point of 3 craggy
ridges (click on sketch diagram
to enlarge). The one just climbed to A'Chioch stretching
northeast, a south ridge to Maol nan Damph (Rounded Hill of the
Stag) and a north west ridge which divides in two between a corrie one
northwest and one west northwest.

THE TOURIST ROUTE

The easiest ascent and descent is on the west northwest branch of
the northwest ridge and no scrambling is needed - a.k.a. The Tourist
Route. From Dhiseig, keep on the north side of the shadow valley
of Abhainn Dhiseig, then onto the west northwest ridge and return
via the same route. This is the safest route for the less experienced
walker.

Please minimise the risk to your safety by following
the simple advice and guidelines below.

1) Be properly equipped with waterproofs and warm
clothing
2) Wear appropriate strong footwear and spare clothing
3) Carry a torch, whistle, compass and map and know how to use them
4) Take ample food and drink including a flask of hot drink
5) Check the
weather forecast
6) Be aware of the deer shooting season
7) Let someone know where you are going, your route and expected time of
return
8) Turn back if you encounter problems or poor weather